What is a Smart Boiler? Expert Guide

Curious about smart boilers and how they fit into modern home heating?

In this guide, we’ll explain what a smart boiler actually is, how it works, the best options on the market, and how to make your heating system as “smart” as possible.

PS We fit new smart combi boilers with gas safe installation nationwide. Simply answer these questions, get your fixed price and you could get it installed as quick as tomorrow.

What is a Smart Boiler?

Put simply, a smart boiler is a regular boiler connected to a smart thermostat - allowing you to control, monitor, and optimise your heating remotely.

Smart thermostats give you far more control than traditional timers or wall dials. With one installed, you can tweak your heating or hot water from your phone, even when you’re not at home.

So in essence:

That could mean running a hot bath while you’re still on the sofa, or turning on the heating before you leave the shops on a freezing December evening.

Smart boilers don’t just add convenience - they can help reduce your energy usage, cut bills, and make your home heating feel effortless.

How Does a Smart Heating System Work?

A smart heating system blends traditional boiler tech with digital control - letting you manage your home’s temperature through your phone, tablet, or even voice assistant.

These systems connect via Wi-Fi and can learn your routine over time.

For example, they’ll learn what times you usually turn the heating on, which rooms you prefer warmer, and automatically adjust for comfort and efficiency.

If you’re having a new boiler installed, it’s worth adding a smart thermostat at the same time - you’ll future-proof your setup and unlock all the smart features straight away.

What is a Smart Thermostat and How Does It Work?

A smart thermostat, in particular, can play an important role in a smart heating system. Of course, you could just use a smart boiler and a device, so you have plenty of options.

A smart thermostat would basically offer you similar benefits as a device paired to a smart boiler would (i.e., the ability to control the temperature and have hot water produced remotely).

Some thermostats are even classed as learning thermostats; these are designed to pick up on a homeowner’s routine and control the boiler in a suitable manner to reduce energy consumption.

This can be both more convenient and allow you to cut back on your energy bills. You’d also lower your carbon footprint as a result.

How Does a Smart Thermostat Connect to a Boiler?

A typical setup involves three components:

1. Hub - Connects to your broadband router (wired or wireless) and enables Wi-Fi communication.

2. Receiver – Wired directly to your boiler to allow smart control.

3. Smart control device – The physical thermostat or app you use to control settings.

This setup lets your boiler “talk” to your thermostat and app - enabling live temperature adjustments and scheduling.

Always isolate electrics at the mains before any work - live wiring can be lethal.

Once connected, you’ll pair your thermostat via its app and can then manage everything remotely.

Where to Install a Smart Thermostat

Placement matters more than you might think. A poorly positioned thermostat can lead to inaccurate readings and wasted energy.

Follow these quick tips:

• Avoid direct sunlight and radiators – both can skew readings.

• Keep clear of draughts or windows – cold air can trick the sensor.

• Install in a central, consistent area – a hallway is often ideal.

• Avoid bedrooms – they’re usually cooler than the rest of the home.

The receiver should be installed close to the boiler but away from large metal objects that could block signals.

The Best Smart Boilers and Thermostats

If you’d like a smart boiler or/and smart thermostat, it’s best to do some looking around before choosing the right ones for you.

Always ensure a smart thermostat is suitable for your boiler one way or another.

Some of the best smart combi boilers on the market are: *

• Viessmann Vitodens 050-W Combi Boiler - £800 to £900.

• Worcester Bosch 4000 Combi Boiler - £1,200.

• Viessmann Vitodens 100-W Combi Boiler - £1,1000.

• Worcester Bosch 8000 Combi Boiler - £1,300 to £2,100.

• Ideal Logic C30 Combi Boiler - £845.

*The prices are given are the standalone costs for a boiler only. The total installation bill would feature an additional £800 to £1,300 for labour and extra supplies.

In terms of having a new thermostat installed, it would likely cost around £200 to £350 overall.

This would include the price of labour (if you wanted to have a professional install it for you) and the standalone cost of the actual thermostat.

Here are some of the best smart thermostats on the market:

• Worcester Wave.

• Baxi uSense.

• Honeywell T6 Smart Thermostat.

• Hive Active Heating.

• Nest Learning Thermostat.

• Tado° V3+ Smart Thermostat.

Expect to pay around £150–£300 for the thermostat itself, plus £200–£350 total if professionally installed.

Should I Buy a Smart Heating System?

Determining whether or not a smart heating system is for you will depend on your preferences and requirements.

You may want to consider a smart boiler if:

• Your heating schedule is reasonably consistent.

• You want a heating system that will adjust the temperature for you (one of the ways in which a smart heating system could be used).

• Fuel efficiency is something you’re keen on.

• If you’re interested in investing in zoned heating.

• You want control over your heating system no matter where you are.

However, it would be best not to opt for a smart boiler if you have an unpredictable heating routine or zoned heating is not something that interests you.

Alternatively, it may not be for you if you’re not too fussed about controlling your heating system remotely.

Benefits of Smart Boilers

Here are some of the pros of smart boilers:

• They set your heating based on your routine.

• Smart boilers can improve your fuel efficiency.

• Zoning is possible in some cases.

• Can be a part of a smart modern home.

• Usually easy to install.

Disadvantages of Smart Boilers

As for the downsides, these include:

• Consistency is important for a smart boiler to learn your routine*

• Your options may be limited depending on what you’re looking for.

• Smart technology is not suited to all boilers (some apps can only be used with certain newer boilers).

*This is key if you want your smart boiler to optimise your home’s heating which is its key purpose.

Smart Heating Systems: Verdict

For most homeowners, the answer is yes.

Smart heating systems make your home more efficient, comfortable, and easier to manage.

They’re the natural next step in modern home heating - saving money and helping the planet at the same time.

As energy costs rise, the ability to monitor and optimise your heating in real-time can make a real difference.

Plus, there’s something satisfying about firing up your heating from your phone on a frosty morning.

Get A New Boiler Quote Today

If you’re aiming to get the best deal on a new boiler, consider getting your boiler installation with us. Here’s why:

• Gas Safe installation within 24 hours.

• Thousands of satisfied customers with an average score of 4.9 on Trustpilot, surpassing the market leader.

• Which? Trusted Trader: Heatable is proudly recognised as a Which? Trusted Trader.

• Price match guarantee: We will match any like-for-like cheaper quote.

• Flexible payment options, including interest-free finance*.

• Up to a 12-year guarantee on selected boilers.

• Fixed price guarantee: No hidden costs.

• Save your quote and decide later.

• Get an instant fixed price on a new boiler here.

To learn more about boilers, visit our advice section, check out our YouTube channel, or read customer testimonials here.

Heat Happy.